Analyzing the Interactions Among the Challenges to Circular Economy Practices

Abstract

The concept of circular economy (CE) significantly lessen the waste and environment pollution. A growing number of articles support the need to consider implementing CE within supply chains. Unfortunately, most corporations have not been successful in pursuing this goal, greatly due to existence of several challenges. Up to now, limited articles have analyzed the challenges to CE practices in the leather sector context. To address this issue, this paper introduces a decision support framework for investigating the interdependencies among challenges to CE practices in the leather industry context using Rough-based Decision-Making Trail and Evaluation Laboratory (Rough DEMATEL) technique. According to the results of the study “lack of financial support from authorities” is the most pressing challenge that impede CE implementation. Findings can assist industrial decision-makers to focus on the challenges to CE practices and employ effective strategies and solutions for moving the leather industry towards sustainable development.

Keywords

• Circular economy
• leather industry
• rough set theory
• DEMATEL
• waste minimization